Google and Xiaomi Phones Have a Hidden Button on the Back with Many Practical Options

Google and Xiaomi Phones Have a Hidden Button on the Back with Many Practical Options

This little known feature is available on a number of Android and even iOS devices and could change how you use your phone.

Initially included in the iPhone's accessibility settings, this feature is fortunately not limited to Apple devices. Google, Xiaomi, Motorola and other Android smartphones have now added it.

This functionality known as "Quick Tap" or "Back Tap" was incorporated into Google's Android 12 update. Xiaomi and Motorola also now offer this feature in their settings. 

There are a number of benefits to Quick Tap. You can perform various actions, like capturing screenshots, activating Google Assistant, or launching specific apps, all with a simple tap, or double tap on the back of the device. Quick Tap also has precise responsiveness and haptic feedback when it is activated, so you know that your gesture has been recognised. Users can even adjust the sensitivity settings to suit their personal preferences. 

Quick Tap provides convenient access to several functions, including taking screenshots, launching Google Assistant, controlling media playback, accessing recent apps, viewing notifications, toggling the flashlight, the camera, and launching specific applications.

How to active Quick Tap on Google phones?

Activating the Quick Tap feature on Google phones is simple. To use Back Tap, you need a Google Pixel smartphone with Android 12 or higher. Here's how to activate it:

  1. Open the Settings on your Google phone.
  2. Scroll down to "System".
  3. Go to "Gestures".
  4. Tap on "Quick Tap to start actions".
  5. Check "Use Quick Tap" and choose an action from the list.

How to active Back Tap on Xiaomi phones?

Xiaomi integrated the Back Tap gesture in MIUI 12, allowing users to choose between double and triple taps, similar to the iPhone. Note that the feature might not be available on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 or higher. Here's how to activate it:

  1. 3Open the Settings on your phone.
  2. Go to "Additional Settings".
  3. Tap on "Button shortcuts".
  4. Select "Back Tap".
  5. Choose either "Double Back Tap" or "Triple Back Tap".

How to activate Quick Launch on Motorola phones?

Motorola refers to this feature as Quick Launch. Like Back Tap, it allows you to trigger various actions by tapping the back of the phone. Here's how to activate it:

  1. Open the Settings on your smartphone.
  2. Go to "Gestures".
  3. Tap on "Quick Launch".
  4. Check "Quick Launch" and choose an action from "Settings".

How to activate Back Tap on iPhone?

Activating Back Tap on an iPhone is simple:

  1. Open your Settings.
  2. Go to "Accessibility".
  3. Select "Touch".
  4. Choose "Back Tap" and turn it on.

Can I activate Back Tap on Samsung and other brands?

No, Samsung, Honor, Sony, and Nothing phones do not have a native Back Tap feature. However, you can use third-party apps to achieve similar functionality.